Saint Patrick Cathedral, Downtown Fort Worth, Texas

the altar and beautiful stained glass inside St. Patrick Cathedral in downtown Fort Worth, Texas

I'm in Texas now, and will be spending the month visitng some of the Lone Star State's beautiful churches, chapels, and cathedrals. Today, I'm in the historic "Cowtown", Fort Worth.

Saint Patrick Cathedral, Fort Worth, Texas

Saint Patrick Cathedral is a beautiful 19th century cathedral located right downtown, within minutes from the Water Gardens, Sundance Square, and the historic Texas & Pacific Railway Station.

statue of Saint Patrick, Fort Worth, TX

Saint Patrick Cathedral was originally a co-cathedral of the Diocese of Dallas until 1969, when Pope Paul VI split the rapidly-rowing diocese into two, forming the newer Diocese of Fort Worth.

prayer candles inside the cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas

While its status as a cathedral is relatively new, the history of Saint Patrick dates back to the early days of Fort Worth. The first Catholic parish in Fort Worth was established in 1876.

stained glass windows inside St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas

In 1888, French-born Father Guyot became the parish priest, and the current building was constructed on Throckmorton Street in the Gothic Revival architectural style. The parishoners, the majority of whom were Irish Catholic immigrants to north Texas, chose to name the church after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of the Emerald Isle.

Saint Patrick Cathedral sanctuary, Fort Worth, Texas

It was a warm, early summer day in Fort Worth. I was able to get a parking spot downtown, directly behind the cathedral. Before paying for parking, a man who was leaving stopped by to give me the remainder of the time he had purchased from the parking meter. Sometimes, the surprising generosity from strangers, even manifested in the smallest of gestures, can mean a lot.

stained glass behind the altar

The cathedral is big, cool, and airy. Every wall is covered in stunning stained glass windows, each depicting a different saint. Saint Patrick Cathedral has some of the best stained glass in all of Texas.

A rose window is set high above in the rear of the church.

Along the back walls, votive candles are burnt by the faithful as an offering.

On the afternoon that I visited, I was the only one there. The big, beautiful cathedral was quiet and supremely peaceful.

rose window at Saint Patrick Cathedral

Tours of the cathedral

Tours of the historic cathedral are available by appointment. To learn more, visit the cathedral's website http://www.stpatrickcathedral.org/about/history.

votive candles in Saint Patrick Cathedral

Getting to Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas

Saint Patrick Cathedral is located at 1206 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

The cathedral is located in downtown Fort Worth, near the Upper West Side. It is within walking distance of the Fort Worth Water Gardens and Sundance Square.

If you are taking the Texas Railway Express from Dallas or the TEXRail, the cathedral is just a few minutes walk from the historic T&P Station. If you have a long layover at DFW Airport, it's easy to get on the TEXRail from the airport and ride into the city for a few hours.

Parking is available outside of the cathedral.